# FBReader vs cMate

The clearest difference is rating: cMate at 5.0 against FBReader's 3.7. cMate also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (87% vs 52%). FBReader's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 51 months) and ratings volume (128 vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. cMate asks for nothing beyond the download.

cMate holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 87% of cMate's.

FBReader ships an update monthly, cMate every 51 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | cMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmate-lite/id1496589839/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **128** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **86.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 51 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Maxim Lukyanenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1496252741) |

## What reviewers say

### FBReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178)

A fast and versatile e-book reader supporting multiple formats like ePub, Kindle, and fb2. It offers cloud syncing for reading progress and a customizable interface. Upgrade to unlock unlimited library access and advanced features.

**Highlights:** Supports ePub, Kindle azw3, fb2, RTF, Word, HTML, and text, ePub3 and Readium LCP DRM support, Cloud syncing of library and reading positions, Customizable appearance and behavior options, Direct opening of downloaded files, Free version with library limits

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FBReader Full Edition | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and smooth reading experience
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💡 Customizable font, margin, and layout options
- 🔒 Secure syncing across devices
- 🎨 Retro background textures

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
- 🔧 Lack of advanced organization features (folders, shelves)
- 🚫 No PDF support
- 🔍 Inconsistent search and book discovery
- 🔒 Privacy concerns around data collection

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues with Google Drive
- Deletion of books from library
- Formatting problems with large footnotes
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Vertical scrolling mode
- Improved bookmark and annotation tools
- Ability to add/change book covers
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Better library management (read/unread, collections)


### cMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cmate-lite/id1496589839)

This app provides comprehensive maritime regulations and codes, including collision prevention, international signals, life-saving appliances, and safety at sea conventions. It also features weather forecast reading and maritime dictionaries.

**Highlights:** Collision prevention regulations, International signal codes, Life-saving appliance code, Safety of life at sea conventions, Weather forecast reading, Maritime dictionaries

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is cMate free?

cMate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or cMate?

cMate is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while cMate averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do FBReader or cMate have ads?

Neither FBReader nor cMate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or cMate?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and cMate every 51 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 30, 2026 and cMate on September 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*